Eight Days of Ecuador…Day 8

Our incredible eight days of Ecuador photography travel abroad class had officially wound down. After a demanding trip filled with long days, minimal sleep, and mounting stress, my health had finally given out. I was officially sick. I was not looking forward to the long day of travel ahead of us. I struggled getting out of bed early in the AM despite my inability to sleep. My main goal was simply to power through to the very end. If you missed it, be sure to catch up on Day 7!

Day 8: Friday, April 27: The Final Stretch Home

As we sat in the Guayaquil airport, awaiting our early 6:00 AM flight back to Nashville, I felt like I’d just experienced a whirlwind adventure. Our journey was over. What began as an eight-day assignment teaching a photography travel abroad class blossomed into something far more profound. I tried to process the events of each day, but honestly, I was too exhausted to even begin writing for my planned blog series.

Reflecting on an Unforgettable Journey

I had intentionally disconnected from social media for the entire week. My only links to home were a few WhatsApp texts checking in on my puppy and some business emails. It was a refreshing break from the usual digital hum.

That 6:00 AM departure from Guayaquil meant we were all incredibly tired. The fruit served on the plane, while a nice gesture, couldn’t compare to the delicious, fresh produce we’d enjoyed throughout our travels. I even questioned if I was truly eating pineapple!

Our four-hour layover in Miami wasn’t too bad, but boarding the smaller American Airlines plane on the tarmac in the pouring rain was definitely not enjoyable. Those of us who boarded last got absolutely soaked, and once again, I found myself with “poodle hair” – a souvenir from the trip I definitely won’t miss!

Eric’s suitcase had a major blowout, but luckily, he and Jason were able to mend it with Eric’s belt. Good thing that didn’t happen at the start of the trip!

As I reflect on my experience in Ecuador with the students from Nossi, this was much more than just a travel abroad class. I’m overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. A first visit to a foreign land always leaves a lasting impact, and this trip was no exception. It’s truly difficult to put into words just how much more it was than a typical travel photography class.

Ecuador: The Challenges

The journey itself proved more challenging than we anticipated. We covered countless miles by foot and bus, navigating diverse terrain. Our accommodations were often small, and with the exception of two nights, we had no air conditioning, relying solely on fans and open windows for a breath of fresh air. The weather was a constant companion. A sweltering 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit with 90% humidity, and the sun beat down nearly every day. Coming from Nashville’s cooler, fall-like temperatures, the sudden shift to full summer heat was a tough adjustment for many of the students. As a Floridian, however, I acclimated fairly quickly!

Mosquitoes were rampant, and we encountered a variety of other insects, primarily roaches and spiders, which didn’t sit well with our predominantly female group. While I personally didn’t mind the lizards, several of the ladies, one in particular, were absolutely terrified. We were incredibly grateful to have Spanish speakers among us, as the lack of English speakers in Ecuador would have made communication a significant struggle.

Ecuador’s Enduring Charms: The Pros

Despite the challenges, our Ecuadorian adventure was filled with incredible positives that truly enriched the experience.

The beaches were beautiful and quaint, offering a serene escape. I quickly fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle that permeated everything. And oh, the food! The seafood, fresh fruit, delightful desserts, and refreshing coconut water were simply wonderful. While undeniably hot, the weather was consistently clear with no rain, allowing us to maximize our time outdoors. All the daily walking provided an excellent workout, a welcome bonus.

One of the most profound benefits was unplugging from my life back home. I genuinely didn’t miss social media at all, finding immense liberation in disconnecting. The overall cost of travel and entertainment was incredibly economical, and the local people were genuinely happy. It was infectious. You couldn’t help but smile in their presence.

Beyond the scenery and experiences, I cherished the deepening bond with the locals and, especially, with my students. We learned so much about each other. Certain shared moments and challenges reminded me that everyone carries private, often painful, stories hidden from the world. Yet, it’s these very stories and experiences that often help us feel connected. Spending long days traveling as a group inevitably reveals much about those you’re with, and many things that transpired over our eight days were truly inspiring.

Memorable Cultural Differences

Some of the most memorable aspects of the trip were the fascinating cultural differences we witnessed daily. We frequently saw entire families on motorbikes, kids on handlebars, even small babies in front of the driver on gas tanks, all without helmets. This is something that would undoubtedly lead to legal trouble in our country.

Privacy and security within the homes didn’t seem to hold the same importance as back in the States. We also observed people pumping fuel while the engine was still running, something not acceptable in the US. A particularly unique custom was the “no paper in the toilet” rule, with a trash can provided for used paper. I’m quite sure we inadvertently caused some plumbing havoc along the way due to this!

On many streets, especially in the cities, there were no lane lines on the highways, and drivers were far more aggressive than we’re accustomed to, yet accidents seemed rare. If they did occur, they were usually handled without involving the police. Most cars looked like they hadn’t been washed in months, sporting dings, dents, and missing parts. I’m certain very few would pass our emission tests.

Most people dressed casually all the time, often wearing Ecuadorian-brand Crocs. Interestingly, I didn’t see a single local applying sunscreen or bug spray, unlike our regular applications.

My biggest takeaway from the trip, however, was a profound realization: “In our country, we trade our time for money, often spending so much of it working to buy things we believe will make us happy. In Ecuador, they seem to trade their money for time, with less desire for material possessions, and they appear much happier on all levels.”

The people, the people, the people… how I loved the people.

Memories From Our First Photography Abroad Trip

As with any new endeavor, our first photography travel abroad class had its share of bumps. However, I believe most of the students found the experience incredibly rewarding. I recognize that a few may have felt the trip wasn’t what they expected, and as an instructor, I know you aren’t always universally admired or looked up to. What I’ve learned for sure is that in both learning and life, curiosity and a positive outlook are essential. You have to apply yourself, regardless of your surroundings.

Travel often demands initiative, adaptability, and a willingness to make the best of every situation. It’s about recognizing that each moment is fleeting and unique, deserving to be felt and cherished. The beauty of photography lies in its ability to freeze a sliver of time forever. While a photograph can never fully replace the lived experience, it offers a powerful way to share a personal vision. I love that I chose photography as my path, and I genuinely hope my students continue on their journeys with the same passion.

I’m incredibly grateful for the trust the team at Nossi placed in me, allowing me to lead the college’s first-ever travel abroad class. I truly hope for another opportunity in the future. With the insights I gained, I know I can make the next experience even better.

Below are a few videos Mathew put together from our trip. Mathew Wijatky, our second instructor based in Guayaquil, traveled with us the entire time, capturing fantastic behind-the-scenes footage. There will be more to see on the YouTube channel soon, so be sure to follow along!

Thank you for reading, especially if you followed along on the whole trip! Feel free to leave any comments or to share the blogs! Have a wonderful Friday!

If you missed day 7, you can read more here.

*NOTE: all Sheri Oneal blog posts are ©2018 by Sheri Oneal. Feel free to share my blog link, but any other use of photos or content must be agreed upon in writing.

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